SOLE Blog
Entries Published in 2010
December 21st, 2010
Run Geordie Run
Mark Allison, SOLE UK athlete, may seem like an "unconventional" runner, as he has been spotted in recent weeks dressed up as Santa Claus while running.
December 21st, 2010
SOLE Adopts Nick Hearn for the 2011 Virgin London Marathon
SOLE knows what a huge difference having the right kit can make. For runners, wearing the right footwear is even more important. In 2010, SOLE supported several top notch athletes with footwear including runner Marie-Louise Stenild, the first woman to run seven marathons on seven continents in seven days.
December 14th, 2010
A Pain in the Back!
I read a statistic recently that claimed eight out of ten people will experience back pain at some point in their life. I found myself shocked that the number was that low. Really, can you think of a single person you know that hasn't suffered from an ache or irritation between their shoulder blades, mid, or lower back? Between sports, sitting, backpacks, poor posture, and genetics, I don't see how anyone could make it through life without experiencing some type of back discomfort.
December 9th, 2010
APMA's Runner's Resource
The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) is considered the leading resource for foot and ankle health information. Recently, the APMA recognized products that can specifically help runners’ feet stay comfortable before, during, and after a run. These products were awarded the Seal of Acceptance and SOLE was pleased to learn that the Thin Sport and Signature DK Response footbeds made the runner-specific list! Visit the APMA Runner's Resource page for a full list of recipients and information on how to help keep your feet injury-free.
December 8th, 2010
SOLE Holiday Bundles
The holiday season is here! To celebrate, SOLE is offering Christmas product bundles. From now until December 31st, you can pick up a bundle for a loved one, or get a Christmas present for yourself!
December 8th, 2010
Enter to win a pair of Exhales from runnersworld.co.uk
If you are located in the UK, head over to RunnersWorld.co.uk and enter to win a pair of SOLE Exhales. This is a one day contest, so you have to enter today to be eligible.
December 1st, 2010
UK Adopt A Runner winner announced
SOLE is pleased to announce our first ever Adopted Virgin London Marathoner - NICK HEARN!
November 26th, 2010
Post 7x7x7 testimonial from Marie-Louise Stenild
I would call myself a runner. A leisurely runner, but a runner none-the-less. I typically run with one purpose: to "clear my head." Marie-Louise Stenild, on the other hand, runs with a much larger purpose: to raise funds for children and their families in the fight to battle cancer. In addition to this, Marie-Louise completed 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents, and gave all the charitable donations to Adam Rogers Trust. Wow.
November 17th, 2010
Fun for Charities
The lovely SOLE ladies Alyssa, Brandi, and Eman accompanied members of the PPCLI to a Christmas gala at Calgary's historic Lougheed House. The event was part of a month-long celebration of the heritage building, and the revenues from the events will go to children's programs at the house, as well as a portion of the proceeds being donated to the PPCLI's Benevolent Fund that supports the families of soldiers. Santa was in attendance, and was posing for "antique" photos in the one hundred nineteen year old building.
November 16th, 2010
Adopt A London Marathoner: Help Us, Help You!
If you, or someone you know, has been awarded a spot in the 2011 Virgin London Marathon, SOLE, in conjunction with Runners Need and Action PR want to adopt you!
November 10th, 2010
Friends With Benefits
Are you on Facebook? If so, did you know that SOLE has a Facebook page? Maybe you've been waiting for a sweet offer before pledging your undying devotion to SOLE? Whatever the reason, now is the time to "Like" us on Facebook. Everyone who does will receive a $5 off coupon for our web store at the end of November! Head over to our page and hit the "Like" button now.
November 10th, 2010
Banff Mountain Film Festival
Kendra, Iain, Karen, and Brandi spent their weekend attending the Banff Mountain Film Festival. While most of the weekend consisted of working the trade show, they did have an opportunity to take in a few of the films, and it was epic.
November 5th, 2010
Happy Post-Halloween!
HAPPY POST-HALLOWEEN! Have you eaten all your candy yet? We have.
November 5th, 2010
7 Marathons, in 7 Days, on 7 Continents
We all have our own personal "bucket list" of things we'd like to do before we die. Some of us want to skydive, pet a giraffe, or learn to paint. Others desire to do something unique, and perhaps unthinkable.
October 27th, 2010
To Mould or Not To Mould?
There are many tough choices in life: chocolate or vanilla? Team Jacob or Team Edward? Ski or surf? The great news is this: deciding whether or not you are going to mould your footbeds doesn't have to be so difficult.
October 26th, 2010
Fundraisers & Snowblades
Jonathan (VP Sales), Andrew (IT Manager), Brandi (Marketing) and their respective spouses all attended a fund raiser and silent auction for a local Alberta-based camp. The dinner was a "Spy / Detective" theme.
October 22nd, 2010
Everest and the Extraordinary
Rob, our Product Director, recently went to Nepal and trekked towards Everest. Waiting for the rest of his group to arrive, he toured Kathmandu's temples, keeping an eye out for monkeys and giant fruit bats.
October 21st, 2010
First Time For Everything
The SOLE team has recently logged a few firsts.
Matt (Social Media Guru) returned to work after a few weeks off to welcome his first child. Matt may actually get some sleep at the office!
October 20th, 2010
City With A Brain
At SOLE we believe in integrated thinking and integrated design. We are fans of Amory Lovins' (from the Rocky Mountain Institute - rmi.org) book "Natural Capitalism," that deals in a rigorous, scientific way with the idea of design integration. This new city concept in Portugal seems like an interesting step in that direction
October 14th, 2010
Inside SOLE's Weekend - Elastic Waistbands
Monday October 11th was Canadian Thanksgiving, and almost all of us at SOLE ate too much! Here's a photo post of the food and festivities.
October 8th, 2010
Inside SOLE's Weekend: Mountains & Marathons
Calgary has had an unusually wet and cold summer this year, wheat crops actually had too much rain in Alberta. BUT, this last weekend, we had wonderful 20 degree Celsius temperatures and blue skies! On Saturday Alyssa (Customer Service Manager) ran the Harvest Half Marathon
September 29th, 2010
Office Sports & Beautiful Fall Days
The Calgary office team kicked off a gorgeous fall weekend by having a rousing game of lunchtime soccer, affectionately known as "out of the blue". It was "over 30" verses "under 30 + Ivo, SOLE VP Operations". Thankfully, Ivo's superior ball juggling skills won the under 30 crowd the game.
September 29th, 2010
The queen of pain: an interview with athlete Rebecca Rusch
I once heard a joke that said: "At 40, it takes longer to rest than it did to get tired". Well, whoever created that joke must not have met 41 year old, multi sport athlete Rebecca Rusch. Over the past 13 years, Rebecca has competed in everything from cross country skiing, to orienteering, to adventure racing and finally, mountain biking. She is the 3 time winner of the 24 Hour Solo World Mountain Bike Championship (2007, 2008, and 2009), 2-time Leadville 100 winner (2009, 2010) and carries the title of #1 in the 2008 Masters Cross Country Skiing World Championship. I had a chance to connect with Rebecca shortly after she returned home from racing in Brazil and breaking a record at the Leadville 100.
September 22nd, 2010
Cork in Portugal
This is a film from the World Wildlife Fund about how important natural cork is to the global environment. So please, drink more wine, and make sure it has a natural cork stopper!
September 21st, 2010
Inside SOLE: Weekend Shenanigans
Brianne (Accounts Receivable) was thrilled to report on the "Most exciting weekend of my LIFE!!!! I am ENGAGED!" Her beau popped the question over filet mignon, surrounded by family. Congratulations Brianne!
September 21st, 2010
The road from amateur to elite: an interview with athlete Leif Baradoy
After competing in his first world-stage, Olympic-distance triathlon, SOLE sponsored triathlete Leif Baradoy recently returned home from his debut at the International Triathlete Union (ITU) Championships in Budapest. I had an opportunity to connect with Leif and get the goods on one of the biggest races of his life, not to mention reflect on the strides (pun intended) he's made in just two short years.
September 15th, 2010
Our First Video!
This is the first of many new videos to come from SOLE! To get us started, SOLE's Alyssa Morrell discusses version 2.0 of SOLE Performance Socks. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment.
September 13th, 2010
Inside SOLE's Weekend
Kris (UK MD/Sales Director) and Derren have decided to try a bunch of new things. They started with Clay Pigeon Shooting (jolly good fun) and finished with tandem kayaking on the River Lea. With Percy (their sturdy Horizon Perception) and a book by Peter Knowles, called "Pub Paddles," they paddled:
September 8th, 2010
Introducing The SOLE Exhale
As Fall quickly approaches, SOLE is excited to announce the release of our newest SOLE product: The Exhale.
September 7th, 2010
Inside SOLE's Weekend: The Stoke
My name is Greg Davidson — I'm a Web Developer here at SOLE. This past weekend I took my young family on one last little adventure before school began. We headed to Halcyon Hotsprings near Revelstoke, BC. To get to Halcyon, you take a 40 minute drive south of Revelstoke...
September 3rd, 2010
Have Any Ideas For Us?
As we enter into fall, with 2011 on the horizon, we're brainstorming up a ton of new ideas to improve our engagement with customers through social media and our blog. We really want to step it up, and start to show the culture behind SOLE as a company. Not to mention, get in better touch with our core customers and provide top-notch customer service!
August 31st, 2010
Inside SOLE's Weekend - The Beginning
The SOLE team generally spends our weekends away from the office and having fun. This is our first post sharing our weekend adventures with you. Here's what we've been up to the last 2 weekends.
August 27th, 2010
It's a Dirty Job, But Someone Has to Wear Sandals
It's a hot summer day. You slide your feet into some comfy flips, and you set about your day. It's the feeling of bliss, right? The wind on your feet, the absence of constrictive shoes, no hot socks to ruin your perfect August day. While you can relate to this feeling of freedom for your feet, I'm sure you also know the realization that comes after wearing sandals for a full day: my feet are grimy, dirty, and I don't really want to crawl into bed until I wash my feet...
August 17th, 2010
SOLE Socks Have Arrived!
SOLE sock lovers celebrate! Version 2.0 of SOLE socks have arrived and I am wearing them as I write this.
July 27th, 2010
SOLE at Outdoor Retailer
Have your heard of Outdoor Retailer? If not, it's one of the premiere Outdoor Market retailer tradeshows, held twice a year in Salt Lake City, Utah. Next week, the SOLE team will head down to OR to showcase our newest product offerings for 2011. If you are attending OR, please stop by our booth (#36037) and check out our 2011 product line, hear a presentation from Jordan Romero, and pick up a free espresso on us!
July 26th, 2010
Softec vs. Ventilated Softec
Everyone loves having an extra "spring" in their step, and we know that using SOLE Custom Footbeds can bring a new rhythm to any person's swagger, but what is it IN the Softec and Signature Edition footbeds that takes the comfort and shock absorption to the next level?
July 13th, 2010
Get the Right Fit for Your Flips
Who doesn't love "flip-flop weather?" It doesn't matter if you're in sunny Florida and experiencing it, or in snowy Canada and dreaming about it. July is the time to be certain you're fitted with the perfect summer sandals.
June 17th, 2010
The Triple Bottom Line of Cork
Check out this video by our partner 100percentcork.org.
Carlos de Jesus discusses the environmental benefits of choosing natural cork in this video prepared for the Sustainable Brands conference in Monterey, CA. Take a look at how beautiful the cork oak forests are.
June 15th, 2010
Do Your Feet Fall Asleep When You Run?
This is the first in a new series of question and answer posts on foot health. The below question was submitted by @chmpgnepolitics on Twitter.
June 10th, 2010
Sport Slides Now Available In The UK Web Store
The SOLE Sport Slides are here! (This is proof that good things come to those who wait.) Our newest addition to our sandal line is great for post-run recovery, walking, and general recreation. Currently we have only received the Jet Black colour way. The women's Ruby/Bone colour way will be arriving by the end of June.
June 3rd, 2010
Sport Slides Now Available In The Canadian Web Store
The SOLE Sport Slides are here! (This is proof that good things come to those who wait.) Our newest addition to our sandal line is great for post-run recovery, walking, and general recreation.
June 3rd, 2010
Sport Slides Available Now In The US Web Store
The SOLE Sport Slides are here! (This is proof that good things come to those who wait.) Our newest addition to our sandal line is great for post-run recovery, walking, and general recreation.
May 28th, 2010
Casual Flips On Hold
After much anticipation the Casual Flips have made it to our Distribution Centers. It is a bittersweet arrival, as the new look and cork platform is exceptional, however, we have noticed a few inconsistencies with the fit of the straps. In an effort to continue to bring you the highest quality products, we would like to further research this problem before we send them to market.
May 23rd, 2010
Congratulations Jordan Romero! Youngest to ever summit Everest
Jordan Romero has summited Everest! On Saturday, Kathmandu time, Jordan, his father Paul Romero, Paul's partner Karen Lundgren and three Sherpas reached the peak of Mt. Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. Jordan, aged 13, is the youngest to have climbed Everest.
May 11th, 2010
Can you really extend the life of your footwear by wearing SOLE Footbeds?
The Race Rx Academy recently finished a study on SOLE Ultra footbeds. They tested the footbeds in worn running shoes, and here is what they found:
May 5th, 2010
Additional 2009 Sport Flip Sizes Added To US Clearance Section
Recently, we were cleaning up our US warehouse and we came across a whack of 2009 Sport Flips. This includes some sizes that were previously sold out. Below is a list of the colors that we have back in stock. Please keep in mind the quantities are low, colors are only available until they are sold out, and this applies to our US Web Store only.
May 3rd, 2010
Jordan's 7 Summits Quest Continues
Several months ago, I introduced you to Jordan Romero, SOLE sponsored athlete, and his quest to summit the tallest mountains on each continent (the 7 Summits) – before the age of 15. Can't remember that post? Click here to read more. The following highlights the 6 summits Jordan has conquered, his age and the continent on which each mountain is found:
April 14th, 2010
2010 Sport Flips now available for order in the UK web store
After much anticipation, the 2010 Sport Flips are here! Available in a new array of colours, not only will your feet thank you, we are certain your stylist will too! All sizes and colours are now available for order in the UK. Make sure you pick up a pair while supplies last!
April 7th, 2010
2010 Sport Flips now available for order in the USA and Canada
After much anticipation, the 2010 Sport Flips are here! Available in a new array of colors, not only will your feet thank you, we are certain your stylist will too! All sizes and colors are now available for order in Canada and the USA. Make sure you pick up a pair while supplies last!
April 1st, 2010
To sock? Or not to sock?
To sock? Or not to sock? That is one of the most common questions when it comes to heat-molding SOLE Custom Footbeds
March 29th, 2010
Trailer for Vancouver Island Quest
Last August, SOLE athlete Jen Segger ticked off another item from her checklist of “to-do's”. She took on Vancouver Island in a four day journey by bike, foot and ferry from Cape Scott to Victoria, BC. Jen's journey, aptly named the Vancouver Island Quest, had a two-fold purpose:
March 26th, 2010
Jet Black & Java 2010 Women's Sport Flips Now Available Now
Our 2010 Sport Flips have started to arrive! Women's Jet Black and Java are now available for order in the US, UK, and Canadian web stores.
March 26th, 2010
Additional 2009 Sport Flip Colors Moved To Clearance Section
We recently moved additional 2009 Sport Flip colors to our clearance section. Currently this only applies to our US and Canadian stores.
March 23rd, 2010
Reintroducing the Softec Casual
Our Softec Casual Footbed is available again! The same platform and cushioning as the Softec Response, but with a synthetic nubuck topsheet and perforated forefoot to go with your casual and dress shoes. The Thin Casual is for tight-fitting dress shoes and the Softec Casual is for those shoes with a bit more room in them.
March 22nd, 2010
Updated Softec Series
We have updated our Softec Series Footbeds with recycled content for 2010. 35% of the moisture-wicking top sheet is made of recycled content. 20% of the moldable base layer is made from scraps from our own production. It would be better to have post-consumer recycled content but it is impossible to separate out the EVA layer from the other layers. For years now, our production scrap with multiple materials has been turned into housing insulation by a company in S. Korea, where the footbeds are made.
March 19th, 2010
Pogo Stick Trickery using Sole Custom Footbeds
Check out this awesome video of Pogo Stick Tricks using SOLE Custom Footbeds
March 8th, 2010
Help Big City Mountaineers receive a $25,000 grant
The Pepsi Refresh Project is giving organizations and businesses the opportunity to win some serious cash by collecting votes. SOLE wants to help one of our partners, Big City Mountaineers (BCM), win a $25k grant, which will enable them to help more kids.
February 22nd, 2010
Introducing our improved Thin Series Footbeds
Along with changing the name of our Slim Series to the Thin Series, we have made some improvements as well. They are now thinner (at least 10% thinner for the Sport and 30% thinner for the Casual). This makes them even better for low volume footwear like dress shoes, cycling shoes, hockey skates, etc. They are also more moldable in the heel for very narrow footwear. Both have 20% recycled EVA and the Thin Sport has 35% recycled content in the top sheet.
February 15th, 2010
Introducing the redesigned Signature Series Footbed lineup
SOLE is proud to introduce our redesigned Signature Series Custom Footbeds lineup. We have made several significant improvements to the Signature Series line of SOLE Custom Footbeds. We now feature Ventilated Softec Cushioning, which has the same performance as our normal Softec but is more breathable.
February 9th, 2010
SOLE won a SNEWS BOB Award!
SOLE won a SNEWS® BOB Award! Every year, Specialty News (news focused on the outdoor and fitness industry) gives Best Of Booth Awards to deserving booths at Outdoor Retailer. This January, SOLE won a BOB and we are very grateful, and proud.
January 6th, 2010
The Evolution of the Ecopac
As a part of our ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability we are continually evaluating our design process to be more sustainable. We are proud to announce our most sustainable package ever, the clip package. Our new clip package is the 4th generation of our footbed package, and the 3rd generation of our Ecopac packaging.